Recognizing Warning Signs for Landslides

Landslides are a geological phenomenon. It is also called a landslip. It includes a wide range of movement from the ground that includes rockfalls, deep failure of slopes and shallow debris flows. It can occur anywhere, whether offshore, coastal, or onshore environments. The primary driving force for landslides to occur is gravity, however, other the stability of the slope is also considered a contributing factor.

Causes of Landslides

When the slope of the land changes from stable to unstable, among other factors, it causes landslides to occur. Landslides causes are classified as either natural or aggravated by human activities.

Removal of deep-rooted vegetation that keeps the colluvium bound to bedrock

Construction, agricultural or logging (forestry activities) that causes change in the volume of water that infiltrates the soil

Types of Landslides

There are two different types of landslides: slides and flows. Slides pertain to mass movements where the zone of weakness is distinct from the more stable underlying material. On the other hand, flows refer to different kinds of landslides, each with differing in fundamental ways.

Slides

Translational slide

Rotational slide

Block slide

Flows

Fall

Topple

Debris flow

Debris avalanche

Earthflow

Mudflow

Creep

Lateral spreads

Recognizing Warning Signs for Landslides

It is necessary to take the extra precaution especially when one lives in steep slopes, neighboring mountain edges, close to drainage ways or natural erosion valleys, as these areas are most susceptible to landslides. The following are warning signals that can be used to recognize upcoming landslides: